Spouse replaces too-busy Marengo alderman

MARENGO – An often-absent Marengo alderman has resigned and been replaced by his wife, ending a sporadic history as a local representative that dates to the late 1990s.

Ward 3 Alderman Erik DeBoer notified Mayor Donald Lockhart of his resignation on Sept. 20. He cited work commitments. DeBoer recently started a job at the Chrysler Assembly Plant in Belvidere and was unsure whether he could balance his professional and public duties, Lockhart said.

The mayor nominated DeBoer’s wife, Nicole DeBoer, to fill out his term, which ends in April. The council unanimously approved her appointment Monday.

“I thought he was a very effective alderman,” Lockhart said. “He paid particular attention to issues in his ward. ... I think the city is losing a good person, but I think the rest of his term will be served well by his wife.”

This isn’t the first time DeBoer resigned from City Council because of work. He was elected alderman in 1998 and resigned a year later because of work commitments with MDC Environmental Services.

He returned to the council in 2007 to fill out the term of Mike Spear, who coincidentally resigned because of his work.

DeBoer was elected to a four-year term in 20w09, but struggled to make the biweekly council meetings. He had a 36 percent attendance rate during the past two years, missing 24 of the council’s 38 meetings, according to council meeting minutes.

Aldermen attendance has been a consistent issue for the city and DeBoer “resigned for the good of the city,” Lockhart said.

Erik and Nicole DeBoer did not respond to calls for comment.

Nicole DeBoer does administrative work for the Rock River Disposal Co. in Rockford. Her strong business background and likability will serve the council well, Lockhart said.